Cassandra A. Fitzgerald

Cassandra (Babiarz) Fitzgerald, “Sandy,” age 68, of Tiverton, RI and Port St. Lucie, FL, passed away on February 27, 2014. She was the wife of Patrick D. Fitzgerald to whom she has been married for the past 45 years. Born in Taunton, she was the daughter of the late Cass and Jane (Mocker) Babiarz.

Sandy was an educator for 38 years in the Fall River Public School System. She taught at B.M.C. Durfee High School in the foreign language department and retiring as chairman of the department. As department chair, she collaborated with local high schools to form and publish a Portuguese textbook, “Bom Dia” for American students who were studying Portuguese.

Mrs. Fitzgerald received her Bachelor’s Degree from Salve Regina University, in Newport RI, her Master’s Degree from the University of Massachusetts, in Dartmouth and her post graduate credits from U-MASS, Bridgewater, and Brown University.

She attained her Proficiency in Spanish Language and Culture from the University of Madrid, in Spain and her Certificate of Portuguese Language and Culture from the University of the Azores, in Portugal. In addition to teaching high school, she was also an adjunct professor at Bristol Community College, Fisher College, Johnson and Wales University, and UMASS Dartmouth.

In the Fall River community she was an active member of the Polish National Alliance and the Knights of Krakow. In her youth she attended the Alliance College in PA and studied language, folk songs, and dance of Poland. When returning to the community she taught dance and song to the youth at the Polish National Alliance for many years.

After retirement she enjoyed traveling, golfing, reading, doing jig saw puzzles, swimming, tai-chi, and especially spending time with her grandchildren.

In addition to her husband she is survived by two sons; Patrick Sean Fitzgerald and his wife Ingrid of Berkley, MA, Cass Fitzgerald and his wife Jessica of Miami, FL, one sister; Ann Marie Pelletier and her husband Dennis of Warren, RI, her most cherished grandchildren; Colin and Ava of Berkley, Dylan and Brady of Miami, FL, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was sister of the late Mary Louise Connolly.

Her Funeral will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2014 at 10:00AM in St. Theresa’s Church, 265 Stafford Rd., Tiverton. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours Friday from 4:00 to 7:00PM in the WARING-SULLIVAN HOME OF MEMORIAL TRIBUTE at CHERRY PLACE, 178 Winter St., Fall River. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you take a loved one out to dinner. Burial private.